StaffOn February 11, 2025, the New York Philharmonic hosted its annual Lunar New Year Gala at the Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall, celebrating the Year of the Snake. This year’s event honored Angela Chen, a Chinese-American philanthropist and long-standing supporter of the orchestra.
The evening commenced with a vibrant cocktail reception, where guests mingled amidst festive decor inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics. Following the reception, attendees enjoyed a concert featuring a blend of Eastern and Western musical pieces, reflecting the orchestra’s commitment to cultural diversity.
The gala attracted a distinguished array of attendees, including prominent figures from the arts, business, and diplomatic communities. Notable guests included Wei Wei, Natalie Lim Suarez, Dylana Lim Suarez, Afsaneh Akhtari, Catherine Woo, Sana Bao, Jun Wei, Grace Chen, Feifei Wu, Mary Wallach, Vera Hearn, Mike Hearn, Margot Ernst, Peter Kahng, Lisa Kim, Stephen Kahng, Irene Kim, Kevin Kim, Yuchan Kim, Allison Ecung von Arnim, Wilson Ling, Tian Ling, Kay Tai, Jackson Tai, Agnes Hsu-Tang, Oscar Tang, Matías Tarnopolsky, Misook Doolittle, Diana Wang, Benny Tabatabai, Esther Kim, Kim Shui, Beverly Nguyen, Barbara Tober, Michele Cohen, Marty Cohen, Inmo Yang, John Velling, Betsy Bacot, Elaine Huang, Vincent Xie, Vivian Lou, Alan Way, Craig Bouchard, Eva Cheng, Sophia Wu, David Pope, Jennifer Eldin, Cherry Gu, Audrey Mora, Kristin Eberstadt, Oliver Eberstadt, Nicholas Edwards, Cindy Gong, Chong Zhao, Yi Jiang, Sandra Lee Kawano, Arnold Kawano, Brendan Gay, Bailey Ott, Douglas Hahn, Melissa Ko, Lillian Lee, Shirley Shen, Gillian Kemmerer, Trevor Stephens, Hina Cao, Philippe Cheng, Bastienne Schmidt, Ethan Garber, Jordan Petrishen, Nicharee Campanale, Giovanni Campanale, Angela Jacobson, Carol Dohoney, James D’Addario, Anthony Baek, Angela Baek, Alice Weng, Townshine Wu, Barbara Winston, Vivian Tu, Maisie Ho, Peter Yeoh and John Carpenter. The members of the Philharmonic’s board of directors, esteemed patrons, and cultural ambassadors, all gathered to celebrate this fusion of musical traditions.
Many attendees embraced the occasion by donning attire that paid homage to Chinese culture. Elegant cheongsams, intricate embroidery, and rich silk fabrics were prominently featured, adding to the evening’s festive atmosphere. A particularly memorable moment was the surprise performance by a guest artist, whose rendition of a traditional Chinese folk song received a standing ovation. The audience’s enthusiastic response underscored the universal appeal of cultural exchange through music.
The gala not only celebrated the Lunar New Year but also highlighted the Philharmonic’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion. By honoring Angela Chen, the orchestra recognized the vital role of patrons who bridge cultures and bring communities together through the universal language of music.
In conclusion, the New York Philharmonic’s Lunar New Year Gala was a resounding success, offering a night of exquisite music, cultural celebration, and recognition of individuals who contribute to the rich tapestry of the arts. The event exemplified the power of music to unite people across cultures and traditions.
